Common: "War"
Chicago hip-hop legend Common unexpectedly dropped this No I.D.-produced gem, "War" yesterday via the Internet. Long regarded as one of the more influential and insightful artists of his generation, the conscious rap king delivers what amounts to an address of the current state of affairs in Chicago right now. Throughout the track, Common takes ownership of his hometown's issues, asking the questions that need asking and prodding for something to be done. It's refreshing to hear Common release something socially and politically aware once again, in a tasteful manner that is both a call for change and a careful look at how and why things are the way they are ("politicians ain't did enough, wanna get rid of us"). There are rumors of a new Common album, Nobody Smiling, produced entirely by No I.D., as well as projects with Cocaine 80s and G.O.O.D. Music due out this year, so expect plenty more Common Sense. Stream below.
Full Metal Jacket
On an April night in 1970, photographer and Vietnam vet James Hensinger captured images when his 173rd Airborne Brigade was confronted by a Viet Cong sniper hiding somewhere in the surrounding area that attacked is army base in Phu Tai. There was a huge exchange of shots fired between the both sides that lit up the sky. That night, the US base was unleashing round after round of bullets and even used tanks in the exchange. Hensinger set his Nikon to take long exposures,capturing the firestorm that occurred that night in the process. Check out the rest of the photos below.
[via io9]
Photos by James Hensinger